Needle Retention Assembly for Precise Xylem Micro-Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injection devices face challenges in uniformly delivering small doses of injectate to varying plant sizes, managing needle bending or breaking, and requiring gravity or negative pressure for priming, especially when targeting the xylem tissue in plants like grapevines.
Innovation Solution
A needle retention assembly with a needle retention nut and offset nut for secure attachment and support, combined with an injectate delivery system using a resilient member to apply continuous pressure, and a safety mechanism with a dual switch for safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a uniform injection method is used for different types and/or ages of vines, then the injection process is simplified, but the xylem tissue depth varies (1-2mm in young vines vs 3-4mm in mature vines) making effective injection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The injection device incorporates an adjustable needle depth mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of needle penetration depth based on vine age and xylem location. The device can be configured for shallow injections (1-2mm) in young vines or deeper injections (3-4mm) in mature vines, maintaining ease of operation while adapting to different plant types.
2Device complexity
If pressurized supply of injectate is not used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the injectate may only be exposed to a small portion of the xylem
Solution Approach 1:
The needle design incorporates multiple lateral openings distributed along its length rather than a single tip opening. This segmentation allows injectate to exit at multiple points along the needle, exposing a larger portion of the xylem tissue without requiring complex pressurization systems. The multiple openings distribute the injectate along the insertion path.
3Measurement precision
If very small dose volumes (e.g., 10 microliters) are delivered, then the precision of dosing is improved, but the injectate may not adequately reach or distribute within the xylem tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The needle features localized characteristics including specific opening positions, sizes, and distributions tailored for micro-dosing applications. The lateral openings are strategically positioned and sized to optimize the delivery of very small volumes (e.g., 10 microliters) while ensuring adequate distribution within the xylem. The needle geometry is optimized to maintain reliable delivery of minimal doses.
4Manufacturing precision
If the needle is held rigidly in place, then injection precision is improved, but the needle is more susceptible to bending or breaking during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The needle retention assembly provides a balanced system that secures the needle firmly for precise injection while allowing sufficient flexibility during insertion. The retention mechanism maintains the needle in a fixed, precise position during the injection phase, but the needle design and mounting allow it to flex slightly during insertion to resist bending or breaking from lateral forces.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables consistent delivery of precise small doses to the xylem without gravity or negative pressure, reduces needle bending, and facilitates safe and easy needle removal and device operation.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member configured to apply continuous pressure to the plunger, thereby forcing an injectate from the injectate holding compartment to the dose chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a needle retention assembly, an injectate delivery system, a needle, and a safety mechanism, all of which are for use with an injection device. The needle retention assembly includes a needle offset nut which is configured to removably attach to a needle retention nut and to provide support to the needle. The injectate delivery system includes an injectate holding compartment, a plunger, and a resilient member. The needle has a sidewall defining a longitudinal channel and includes at least two orifices in the sidewall, but does not include an orifice at a tip of the needle. The safety mechanism includes a dual switch that includes two switch elements that are each positioned on opposing sides of a handle of the injection device.